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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2008 > November
November 2008
Heartfelt thanks for friends, kin
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Happy Thanksgiving 2008. This year, in these tough economic times, Buzz readers who responded to our annual request to share what they are thankful for are focused on what’s important in life — each other. And while we never play favorites here at Buzz Central, we begin this column with an entry that especially resonated with us. After all, she’s helping to keep us all employed and her entry rhymes.
Barb Evangelista, Canton:
“I’m thankful it’s on the driveway each day.
Online copy? No way!
It may be ‘old school’ or not up to date,
but holding a copy is something I appreciate.
Over breakfast or in a comfy chair,
no Internet service does it entail.
News, sports, puzzles, the Peach Buzz too,
I read it through and through.
I know I’m not alone when I say,
I’m thankful for the print copy of the AJC every day.”
Cate Carmichael (submitted by mom Amy), Atlanta: “For my Daddy, who took me to my first UGA football game!”
Jerry Schwartz, Alpharetta: “I’m thankful for the life lessons from my parents who lived through the Great Depression. They were part of America’s Greatest Generation. They taught me, through example, that tough times don’t last, but tough people do and if you can get up one more time than you’re knocked down, you can make it through.”
Tell us what you’re thankful for
David J. Payne, Atlanta: “For friends far and near who remind me that I am loved and appreciated for what we all share in our lives and what I, too, contribute to their joys and happiness. Life is good.”
Lanny West and Leslie Fram, Buckhead and Manhattan: “Our 17-year love affair. There is something to be said for having different last names, thermal undies, hats, scarves and gloves for living in New York, and our many friends and family that love us no matter where we live.”
Carole Hager, Smyrna: “For children with jobs [and one without], the gas bill being paid for now, a husband that holds my hand and the knowledge that I can have that second glass of wine if I want because I’m not getting any smaller [or younger!].”
Carol Gee, Stone Mountain: “I am thankful that I’ve lived long enough to become what has been termed a ‘seasoned’ woman. A seasoned woman, according to author Gail Sheehy, is ‘combined of many flavors — spicy, mellow, sweet and tart.’ Having suffered a mini-stroke a year and a half ago, my journey back to health makes every milestone more poignant.”
Krissy Ambrusko, Woodstock: “For President Bush keeping us safe.”
Kenny Cheek, Marietta: “That at 52, I still have all of my teeth, most of my hair and a 32-inch waist.”
Jackie Goodman, Atlanta: “In these trying economic times, I am especially thankful that my parents gave me good financial lessons. I am glad they taught me the value of a dollar, the importance of saving, how to diversify, how to live a fairly conservative lifestyle and be contented. I am also thankful that I live in the USA, where anyone can grow up to be president.”
Susan Hartsfield Tanner, Cumming: “For my two beautiful and healthy grandchildren, 2-year-old Lily and 7-month-old Davis. They are truly a gift from God and touch my life in a way that I never imagined. I am thankful for my daughter and son-in-law who allow me to be such a big part of their lives. I am thankful for my husband who loves them as much as I do and realizes my yearning to see them almost daily.”
Donna Lodin, Snellville: “For my breast cancer walk group, the Stone Mountain Cruisers. I have stage four breast cancer. I could have never made it through the last year without them. They have endured the days at chemo, bought me scarves and hats to cover my bald head, cried and laughed with me. Waited for scary results, sent me silly e-mails and enough pink items to open my own kiosk. You never know what God has in store for you when he puts people in your life.”
Richie Arpino, hair salon owner: “That people in Atlanta don’t want to look poor and are still getting haircuts!”
Rachel Rine, Newnan: “For my 21-month-old daughter who makes me laugh every day. She reminds me daily that it’s important to color, read and talk all day long. And every night when she goes to sleep, I have to stop and reflect on all we did and realize how much she amazes me.”
Mary Jo Winer, Atlanta: “For my family and for my friends Len and Ann Brown and their family. We celebrate our 40th Thanksgiving together this year. We met as new neighbors in June of 1969. We have shared our lives on a daily basis. Those adult children who can make the trip will be here. The differences in our Catholic and Jewish heritage have enriched us. We have shared much.”
Jennifer Pendarvis, Woodstock: “For my precious daughter Rachel, and for my mom who is able to watch her while I go to work at the job I am thankful to still have.”
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
TV personality Bill Nye (left, “Bill Nye the Science Guy”) is 53. Actor William Fichtner (“Prison Break”) is 52. Actress Robin Givens is 44. Actor Michael Vartan (“Alias”) is 40. Rapper Skoob of DAS EFX is 38. Rapper Twista is 36. Actor Jaleel White (right, “Family Matters”) is 32.
Contributing: News services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Not much rest for busy Jackets band
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You only think your holiday schedule is hectic. Try being one of the 360 members of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Marching Band this week.
For starters, the band piled into seven buses and loaded the drums and tubas into a truck and drove to New York on Sunday, where it is busy rehearsing for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live on NBC (WXIA).
“The band is 100 years old this year and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to perform in the Macy’s parade,” band director Chris Moore told Buzz on Tuesday.
Braving sleet, snow and rain Tuesday morning, the band rehearsed the three tunes it’ll perform along the Manhattan parade route Thursday morning. On the broadcast about 10:07 a.m. Thursday, the Yellow Jackets will debut “Fantasia on Georgia Tech,” a medley of the school’s classic fight songs “I’m a Ramblin’ Wreck From Georgia Tech” and “Up With the White and Gold.”
“We’re doing a lot of action, flashy maneuvers and a lot of high energy,” promised Moore.
Hopefully, the students get extra credit for multi-tasking. After rehearsal Tuesday, they were back at the hotel, many taking a differential equations exam being administered by Moore on behalf of profs back in Atlanta.
This morning, the band will perform live on the Fox News early show “Fox and Friends” at 7.
And after a quick post-parade turkey dinner Thursday, the band loads up for the trip home, where members will play at a volleyball game and a men’s basketball game.
Oh, and then it’s back on the bus for a trip to Athens on Saturday, where the 8-3 Tech football team takes on the 9-2 University of Georgia Bulldogs in the state’s most storied sports matchup.
Moore isn’t worried about a little sleep deprivation, either.
Said the band director: “The band never has a problem getting up for that game!”
DOING HIS PART FROM MANY MILES AWAY
Former Atlanta Hawks player Shareef Abdur-Rahim will be spending Thanksgiving on the left coast. The recent NBA retiree has just joined the coaching staff of the Sacramento Kings. But the lessons he learned growing up in Atlanta volunteering with his father and brother at the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless turkey day dinner have stuck with him. That’s why more than 350 Atlantans in need will have a Thanksgiving Day dinner delivered to them this week, courtesy of Abdur-Rahim and the loyal sponsors of his seventh annual Future Foundation benefit.
“It’s even more important this year to do this since the need is greater,” Abdur-Rahim told us by phone. “I may not be in Atlanta this Thanksgiving, but it’s still my home and I have many, many people there I care about. I’m fortunate that, because of my years in the NBA, I can continue do this for people.”
Abdur-Rahim wanted to provide 500 dinners this year, but the annual tradition’s growth has been slowed a bit by the economy. “We always want to be able to do more than the previous year,” he explained. “We’re growing a little bit this year but hopefully we’ll be able to do even more next year. This is deeply personal for me. The people in Atlanta have supported me throughout my entire life. This is a small way to give back.”
So how is Abdur-Rahim adjusting to life as a Kings coach?
“It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s a transition and it’s a little new to me. But it’s a great opportunity to teach a little of what I’ve learned along the way to these younger guys coming up. It’s a nice responsibility to have.”
For info on the dinner and how to contribute: www.future-foundation.com.
HOTEL APPRECIATES ITS PATRONS
Atlanta’s social set represents a nice chunk of revenue for the hotel business. The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead’s Thanks-for-Giving brunch Sunday at the hotel was a way of thanking people who book big bashes there. General manager Jon McGavin, catering director Kurt Schwan and public relations director Sandra Ryder greeted members of Atlanta’s philanthropic community. Guests included Steve and Candy Berman, Danielle Berry, Jane Dean, Lisa Fuller, Jaime Griffon, Marilyn Krone, Beverly and John Mitchell, Howard and Victoria Palefsky, Lois Puckett and Sharon Umphenour.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Impressionist Rich Little (right) is 70. Singer Tina Turner is 69. Bassist John McVie of Fleetwood Mac is 63. Country singer Joe Nichols is 32. Singer Natasha Bedingfield (left) is 27. Singer Aubrey Collins (Trick Pony)
is 21.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Kim ‘sings’ for the first time on ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’ We’ve heard dying ferrets make more pleasing sounds.” — From Entertainment Weekly’s “The Bullseye” pop culture chart. (The Bullseye, incidentally, was on Page 11; the arrow concerning “Housewives” was on Page 14.)
Contributing: Jennifer Brett and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Fund-raiser scores former ‘SNL’ comic
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This Thanksgiving week, Captain Planet Foundation chairwoman Laura Turner Seydel is thankful for the Coca-Cola Co., Georgia Power Co., the Mother Nature Network, Pratt Industries and timing.
The above companies signed up early as presenting sponsors for this year’s 14th annual Xmas Party, the annual benefit for the Captain Planet Foundation set for Dec. 12 at the Tabernacle in downtown Atlanta.
“With the economy the way it is, we’re extremely lucky that we had our presenting sponsors come on board early,” Turner Seydel told Buzz on Monday.
Still, the environmental charity has done some budgetary trimming for this year’s event, eliminating the white tent in the parking lot and consolidating the festivities inside.
Musical guests include Rolling Stones keyboardist and Georgia tree farmer Chuck Leavell, Night Ranger singer Jack Blade, .38 Special’s Jeff Carlisi and the Romantics’ Wally Palmar.
The evening’s special celebrity guest is “Saturday Night Live” legend Chevy Chase and his environmentalist wife, Jayni. So how did Turner Seydel lure the comic actor to Atlanta?
Call it return payment for a pair of borrowed golf shorts.
It seems that some years back, Turner Seydel’s husband, Atlanta lawyer Rutherford Seydel, was playing golf with the comic and Chase arrived sans shorts. He borrowed a pair of Rutherford’s and decided he liked them.
“It’s been a running joke between us for a while,” explained Turner Seydel. “We’re thrilled to have Chevy and Jayni this year.” Jayni, incidentally, is the founder of the Center for Environmental Education, a nonprofit devoted to the greening of public schools. Best-selling author (and the chairwoman’s father) Ted Turner has also R.S.V.P.-ed.
As usual, Turner Seydel’s dress for the occasion is an eco-friendly frock, this year made out of sustainable silk, courtesy of a “free-range silk worm that was allowed to turn into a moth.”
So, no silk worms were harmed in the making of the dress, we inquired?
Cracked Turner: “Um, you could say that!”
For tickets: www.xmasparty.org.
OVERSCENE
At Justin’s restaurant in Buckhead: Rapper Young Jeezy and his production crew celebrating the wrap of his “My President” video shoot on Auburn Avenue downtown Sunday night. Earlier in the day, Jeezy and hundreds of extras shot the video tribute to President-elect Barack Obama outside Ebenezer Baptist Church after Sunday services had ended.
R.E.M. front man Michael Stipe dining at Parish in Inman Park.
Former “MASH” actor William Christopher taking in “Sanders Family Christmas” at Theatre in the Square in Marietta. Afterward, Christopher went backstage to meet the cast. Reports “SFC” actor Alan Kilpatrick via e-mail: “Meeting William Christopher is exactly like you would imagine meeting Father Mulcahy would be. He has solid white hair now, and looks a little older, but the trademark glasses are still on his face. And he still has that unmistakable voice! He was so gracious and complimentary! He said, ‘I laughed, I cried — and I don’t even know much about Baptists … I’m Catholic!’ Very sweet man!”
LAST CHANCE FOR THANKFUL READERS
Today is the deadline for our reader-driven Thanksgiving edition of Peach Buzz. E-mail Buzz Central — buzz@ajc.com — your unique, poignant or humorous thoughts on what you’re thankful for in these difficult times. Include your full name, where you reside, a daytime phone number and a photo that might be published. The best Buzz reader responses will be published in the Turkey Day column.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actor Ricardo Montalban is 88. Singer Percy Sledge is 68. Actor-game show host Ben Stein is 64. “Boston Legal” actor John Larroquette is 61. Singer Amy Grant is 48. “Samantha Who?” actress Christina Applegate is 37. Actor Eddie Steeples (“My Name Is Earl”) is 35.
EXPECTING
My Chemical Romance singer Gerard Way’s newest creation isn’t a CD — it’s an upcoming baby.
A rep for the singer says Way, 31, and wife Lindsey, bass player of the band Mindless Self Indulgence, are expecting their first child. The baby is due early next summer .
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“It would be horrible if I was just thinking about getting a divorce and had nothing to do.” — Madonna on how her “Sticky & Sweet” tour is distracting her from the singer’s split with film director Guy Ritchie. The tour played Philips Arena on Monday night.
Contributing: News services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Lights, legs and Soul at tree event
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So how did a couple of nice Jewish girls like “Atlanta & Company” co-host Holly Firfer and Dave FM’s Mara Davis end up co-hosting Saturday night’s Christmas tree lighting at Atlantic Station?
“I know, right!” Davis laughed Sunday when we posed the question.
“Holly’s a bit more mysterious, though. She’s blond and blue-eyed. She flies under the radar. Me? Not so much.”
Jahmal Harris of Atlanta takes a digital picture of the Christmas tree during the lighting ceremony at Atlantic Station. (Sara Hopkins / AJC special)
Still, Davis says the annual outdoor event broadcast live on WXIA-TV was great fun. Hundreds of attendees braved the chill to attend the holiday kickoff. Atlanta’s own Collective Soul banged through renditions of “Blue Christmas” and “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” for the enthusiastic crowd. Davis told us lead singer Ed Roland wore shorts to the drafty dress rehearsal.
“That’s the sign of a true rock star,” she praised. “When you’re so hot, you can show up in shorts in 34-degree weather, you’re officially a rock star.”
Roland did change into pants for the actual telecast.
On Thanksgiving night, as always, Atlantans also get to watch the Macy’s Great Tree light up as well at 7 p.m. on WSB-TV. The Lenox Square tradition will mark a homecoming of sorts for one performer this year. Tony Award-winning actress Heather Headley returns to Atlanta for the occasion.
Alliance Theatre-goers will recall Headley debuted the title role in Disney’s “Aida” here before taking the Elton John-Tim Rice musical to Broadway.
OVERSCENE
Three tables of Bacchanalia diners being relocated to the five-star restaurant’s quieter Quinones room Saturday night. It seems one disorderly private party/family reunion was intent on taking the restaurant’s name literally, resulting in the restaurant resembling the Georgia Dome on a Sunday afternoon with two minutes to go on the clock and the Atlanta Falcons down by a field goal.
The sights and sounds were rare at the $75 per person prix fixe white tablecloth jewel helmed by Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison.
We silently marveled at how expertly manager Frances Quatrano and her staff handled the situation, however. Embarrassingly, the din got so excessive Quatrano finally had to speak to the party about the noise level, to no avail, natch.
On the up side? The three tables of displaced diners bonded over cheese courses downstairs in Quinones as waiters from Bacchanalia dashed back and forth from the frigid outdoors to continue their impeccable table service.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Former Beatles drummer Pete Best is 67. Actor Stanley Livingston (“My Three Sons”) is 58. Record producer Terry Lewis is 52. Actor Colin Hanks (“Mad Men”) is 31. Actress Katherine Heigl (“Grey’s Anatomy”) is 30.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ makes ‘The Real Housewives of New York City’ look like ‘The McLaughlin Group.’ ” — New York magazine’s The Approval Matrix, placing the Bravo reality stars in the lower left-hand “Lowbrow and despicable” section of the weekly’s pop culture guide.
Contributing: News services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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After walkoff, Adams show is Fox freebie
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s some good news in a down economy: a free concert.
Alt-country rocker Ryan Adams is performing with The Cardinals at the Fox on March 20. It’ll be free for the fans who attended his Oct. 17 concert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park.
Adams rocked for about an hour that chilly night in Alpharetta, complaining that he was losing his voice. Then he abruptly left the stage, leaving Verizon staffers flummoxed and fans irritated.
Adams fans have come to expect the unexpected, but this episode was especially poorly timed — about two weeks before the release of “Cardinology.” (The new album is a tight set of alt rock with some country and R&B influences, and, ironically, it’s a more optimistic work for the newly clean and sober Adams.)
A heartfelt blog posting from Cardinals drummer Brad Pemberton shortly after Adams’ disappearing act apologized to fans and explained that the guys had all been sick. Adams posted a blog of his own a day or two later, a meandering stream-of-consciousness opus on how he was working on forgiving himself, but it was quickly taken down.
Anyway, for those of you who made the trek Oct. 17, here’s how you get into the Fox for free: Exchange tickets in person at the Verizon or Fox box office or mail them in. The Fox is at 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, 30308. Verizon’s at 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta, 30009.
Call 404-733-5012 with questions.
ATLANTA’S OWN
Stephanie Ruhe, mix-master at the bar at The Mansion on Peachtree, has been named the ATL’s “Most Inspiring Bartender” by Bombay Sapphire Gin and GQ Magazine. Her exquisite “Lady Sapphire,” the frothy concoction she created with chamomile-infused Bombay Sapphire Gin, along with lemongrass, freshly-squeezed lemon, honey and egg whites, won “Best Overall Drink” in Atlanta. At $12, the sweet, creamy cocktail is one of the Mansion bar’s top sellers. “I wanted to do something elegant,” Ruhe told Buzz when we stopped by to research the matter the other day. An Orlando native who’s put in time at the bars of a number of area restaurants, she said the complicated recipe came to her in a dream. Her drink, topped with an orchid, certainly tastes like a dream.
ONE BELEAGUERED INDUSTRY SUPPORTS ANOTHER ONE
Are there any more jittery workers these days than journalists and automakers? (Other than bankers, developers, real estate agents, restaurateurs, hotel managers and retailers, we mean). Well, local scribes and one of the big battered three are getting together for some holiday fun. The Atlanta Press Club’s annual holiday party is being sponsored this year by General Motors. The event is 6:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Georgia Aquarium. APC members may purchase tickets for $20 for themselves and one guest through Dec. 5. After that, tix are $25. Nonmember tickets are $35 through Dec. 5 and $40 afterward.
This year’s roster of authors includes Mary Kay Andrews, author of a slew of popular Southern lit novels; Douglas Blackmon, The Wall Street Journal’s Atlanta bureau chief and author of “Slavery by Another Name”; and Brookhaven resident Emily Giffin, whose latest is “Love the One You’re With.”
Other sponsors include the Georgia Aquarium, Barnes & Noble, Schroder Public Relations, Atlanta Magazine, Tribute and Edelman. Call 404-577-7377 or see www.atlantapressclub.org for information.
SMARTS ON DISPLAY
Alpharetta teen Bradley Silverman took second place in this year’s edition of “Jeopardy!” for teens. He pocketed $44,600 in the Teen Tournament final of the popular TV game show that aired Friday night on WATL TV.
Bradley, a 16-year-old junior at Centennial High School in Roswell, said he plans to study engineering at MIT or Georgia Tech and intends to use his winnings to pay for college. He was among the best out of thousands of teens who tried out for the game show.
Anurag Kashyap, who attends Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego County, won the $75,000 grand prize.
CALLING ALL SLOBS
Guys: Are you ugly, beer-bellied, balding, covered in body hair and profane? Here’s your chance at stardom. The popular and exceedingly bizarre cartoon “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” which is made here in Atlanta as part of Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, is planning its first live-action episode, says producer Jay Wade Edwards. The first order of business is casting Carl, the show’s resident loudmouth. Adult Swim is soliciting short video auditions to play Carl from regular guys. There are no plans for casting calls, says Edwards; the whole thing is being done online at www.justbecarl.adultswim.com.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actor Robert Vaughn (“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”) is 76. Actor Michael Callan is 73. Comedian-director Terry Gilliam (“Monty Python’s Flying Circus”) is 68. Actor Tom Conti is 67. Singer Jesse Colin Young (The Youngbloods) is 67. Guitarist-actor Little Steven (The E Street Band, “The Sopranos”) is 58. Bassist Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads is 58. Actor Richard Kind (“Spin City,” “Mad About You”) is 52. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis is 50. Singer Jason Ringenberg of Jason and the Scorchers is 50. Actress Mariel Hemingway is 47. Actor Stephen Geoffreys is 44. Actress Scarlett Johansson (“Lost in Translation,” “Ghost World”) is 24.
Contributing: Phil Kloer and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Tongue & Groove is back, this time at Lindbergh
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Instead of chewing their cuticles over the economy, the owners of Tongue & Groove actually are thrilled to be back on the scene, nearly a year and a half after shuttering the nightclub’s original address in Buckhead Village.
Friday night, Michael Krohngold and his business partners officially are welcoming night crawlers back into the club, now located at 565 Main St. at the Lindbergh City Center.
“We look at it this way,” Krohngold explained to Buzz during an advance peek this week. “Everyone is looking for escape right now. We like to think we’re providing a fantasy world for people where they can forget things for a while.”
And the club’s stylish interiors, done by Krohngold’s artist wife Patti (with Michael in photo), reflect the vibrant neighborhood’s famous MARTA station a few feet away.
Practically the entire two-floor space has been “tagged” with stylish graffiti art-directed by Patti Krohngold, who was inspired by the graffiti she saw covering trains and walls on a recent trip to Amsterdam.
The gold VIP area comes complete with a gold leather banquette and an antique chandelier Krohngold discovered at Love Train Antiques. The entire light fixture was created with inverted champagne flutes. Clubgoers who used to gyrate at the old location will recognize the egg-shaped sculptures dangling over the dance floor and the original club’s trademark 8-foot mirrors are hanging on the wall.
Prices range from a $7 Grey Goose vodka drink to the full-on VIP bottle service, featuring a $600 magnum of Dom Perignon.
And while Krohngold traditionally has been known as a nomadic nightclub entrepreneur, opening and closing venues as tastes evolved over the years, he says he’s excited that Tongue & Groove is back and in its 14th year of operation.
“It’s so difficult to establish a brand that sticks with people. We’re proud to have done that with Tongue & Groove. People have met here and gotten married and now we see them with their kids around town. It’s nice to have been a part of that.”
Tongue & Groove hosts a private VIP party Friday night from 7 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to join the soiree at 10 p.m. For info: www.tandgonline.com.
BROOKING BUILDS FOR KIDS
Atlanta Falcon Keith Brooking put his Georgia Tech degree to good use Wednesday. For a good cause.
A bundled-up Brooking, representing his Keith Brooking Foundation, reported for duty in sub-freezing temperatures with about 200 other volunteers at the Lewis Academy of Excellence in Riverdale for the Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP playground build.
The objective: to construct an entire playground in just six hours. The facility is one of 17 being constructed across the country by Home Depot and children’s charity KaBOOM.
We hear that Brooking scored a check for $1,000 from Home Depot for his foundation, helped to build a rock-climbing wall and picnic tables, and did a little painting.
If fans vote for him as the charitable promotion’s MVP at nfl.com/homedepot.com, he’ll receive a follow-up check for $25,000. Should Brooking win, he’ll be keeping the honor in Home Depot’s corporate hometown. Last year’s inaugural NFL Neighborhood MVP winner? Former Falcon and do-gooder Warrick Dunn.
WE HEAR THAT …
“Inside Edition” cameras were spotted Thursday in Athens on the campus of the University of Georgia. Alas, not because of a celebrity scandal or a weird story. Deborah Norville, the host of the show, was doing some taping on North Campus. Norville, who earned a journalism degree from UGA in 1979, was also on hand Thursday evening to help host the centennial gala for the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
WANTED: THANKFUL READERS
The deadline is fast approaching for our reader-driven Thanksgiving edition of Peach Buzz. E-mail Buzz Central — buzz@ajc.com — your unique, poignant or humorous thoughts on what you’re thankful for in these difficult times. Include your full name, where you reside, a daytime phone number and a photo that might be published. The best Buzz reader responses will be published in the Turkey Day column.
COLE COMING TO TOWN
Designer Kenneth Cole, chairman of the world’s largest HIV/AIDS research organization, will give the keynote address at an Emory University ceremony marking World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. In the fourth annual “Quilt on the Quad,” the university will display 800 panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cole is an Emory alumnus. The quilt display is sponsored by Emory Hillel.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actress Marlo Thomas is 71. Singer Dr. John is 68. Actress Goldie Hawn is 63. Actress Nicollette Sheridan is 45. Singer Bjork is 43. Country singer Kelsi Osborn of SHeDAISY is 34.
OVERSCENE
The actress formerly known as “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” Jane Seymour, perusing the racks at Hue Studio at Phipps Plaza, dining at Twist, relaxing at 29 Spa in the Mansion on Peachtree and supping at La Grotta in the Ravinia Hotel by Perimeter Mall. Seymour was in town for two art shows at Wentworth Gallery.
Contributing: Gayle White and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Idols revive ‘Misbehavin’ ’ musical revue
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When Richard Maltby, the creator of “Ain’t Misbehavin’, ” saw “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard in 2003, he thought Studdard (pictured with Billie Allen Henderson, widow of original music arranger Luther Henderson) would be perfect in a revival of the musical revue.
It took five years, but he got his wish on the Broadway classic’s 30th anniversary.
“Ruben is sensational,” Maltby told Buzz at the cast after-party at the Georgian Terrace following opening night Tuesday at the Fox Theatre. “Every performance, he grows. He’s just beginning to find himself. At the first rehearsal, he said he wasn’t sure he could do this. But watching him, I know he can.”
Maltby also nabbed two other “Idol” contestants from that year for the cast: the powerful Frenchie Davis and the surprisingly supple Trenyce Cobbins.
Davis played the role made famous by the late, great Nell Carter. Carter’s daughter, Tracey Hardy (who lives in Atlanta and works at the CDC), came by the party to congratulate the ensemble.
Hardy thought Davis channeled Nell well: “I really believe my mom would have enjoyed that — though she probably would have wanted to jump on stage!”
“Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” runs through Sunday at the Fox Theatre.
OVERSCENE
Atlanta Thrashers players Garnet Exelby, Eric Perrin, Erik Christensen and mascot Thrash presenting the team’s brand new third-edition Thrashers jersey to WWE Raw Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho before his match Monday night at Philips Arena downtown. The Thrashers were special ringside guests at the event. Jericho, incidentally, comes from hockey stock (his dad, Ted Irvine, notably played for the L.A. Kings, New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues). Thrashers rep Kenan Woods told Buzz Wednesday that the new jerseys — which were debuted at last Friday’s home game — are now available for purchase online (www.thrashers.nfl.com) and at the arena.
WANTED: READER THANKS
Yes, it’s once again time for our reader-driven Thanksgiving edition of Peach Buzz. E-mail Buzz Central — reldredge@ajc.com — your unique, poignant or humorous thoughts on what you’re thankful for in these difficult times. Also include your full name, where you reside, a daytime phone number and a photo that might be published. The best Buzz reader responses will be published in the annual Turkey Day edition of the column.
CALENDAR FOR A CAUSE
Elite model Adam Gates was actually a little sheepish the other night at Bazzaar when asked how he became Mr. June in Atlanta celebrity shutterbug Richie Arpino’s 2009 Swimsuit Calendar benefitting Breast Friends. “Richie is one of my best friends and I know it’s for a good cause,” he told Buzz. Still, Gates, 27, of Canton spent a good portion of the shoot pruning up in a shower scenario before the photog opted to re-position him half-submerged and clinging to a beach ball in a pool. “It’s a living!” Gates joked at the launch party. “Plus, it’s kind of cool to know you’re on someone’s wall for a whole month.” Arpino is donating all proceeds from this year’s calendar to the breast cancer charity as a tribute to his late sister-in-law Janie Arpino, who succumbed to the disease last year.
HIGH FIVE
Television
The Top OnDemand programs for the week ending Nov. 16, as determined by Comcast customers in metro Atlanta:
1. Beyonce, “Single Ladies” video, Music Choice
2. T-Pain, “Chopped N Skrewed” video Music Choice
3. Entourage,” “Seth Green Day” episode, HBO
4. “True Blood,” “I Don’t Wanna Know” episode, HBO
5. SpongeBob Squarepants, “Plankton’s Army” episode, Nickelodeon
— Courtesy: Rentrak’s OnDemand Essentials
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff is 62. Actress Bo Derek is 52. Drummer Todd Nance of Widespread Panic is 46. Actress Ming-Na (“ER”) is 45. Rapper Mike D of the Beastie Boys is 43. Country singer Dierks Bentley is 33. Actor Joshua Gomez (“Chuck”) is 33. Country singer Josh Turner is 31. Actress Nadine Velazquez (“My Name Is Earl”) is 30.
Contributing: Rodney Ho and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Fans frenzied at premiere of ‘Twilight’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
As executive director of the Grammys’ Atlanta chapter, Michele Rhea Caplinger knows a little something about hyperventilating fans. But nothing prepared her for the pandemonium outside the Mann Village Theatre Monday night in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Westwood, the site of the “Twilight” premiere.
“I’ve been to nine Grammys but this was crazy!” Caplinger told Buzz via cell phone Tuesday. Thankfully, Caplinger had a couple of Atlanta bodyguards on the red carpet: Ed and Dean Roland of Collective Soul, whose song “Tremble for My Beloved” is on the “Twilight” soundtrack (currently the No. 1 album on the Billboard charts). The rocking Rolands were personally invited to the premiere by “Twilight” author Stephenie Meyer, who has also become a bit of a rock star since writing the phenomenally popular series of vampire books.
Meyer, a Collective Soul fan, originally included snippets of lyrics from “Tremble” in “Breaking Dawn,” her fourth book in the “Twilight” series.
The movie features young actors Robert Pattinson as head hunky vampire Edward and actress Kristen Stewart as beautiful heroine Bella (think “Gossip Girl” meets “Dark Shadows”). But most of the screams were reserved for Pattinson.
“He handled the frenzy as best he could,” Caplinger said. “He seems really grounded.”
“Tremble for My Beloved” receives primo placement in the film as well. Caplinger says she and the Rolands were thrilled to see the rocker used prominently in an early pivotal scene when Edward saves Bella from a near-death experience.
Caplinger says the decade-old song, originally included as the lead-off track on the Stockbridge-birthed band’s 1999 “Dosage” album, was written for Ed Roland’s now 10-year-old son, Lindsey. For her part, the Grammy guru says, she had a handle on the popularity of the books and how hotly anticipated the movie is thanks to her own 14-year-old, Sarah, a major Meyer fan.
“She’s a little beside herself with me today,” Caplinger conceded with a laugh. “But I’m out here on Grammys business and Ed just called and asked if I wanted to go. I’m planning to make it up to her and her friends this weekend with a viewing party sleepover in Atlanta. But I still may have to explain why I didn’t get her an autograph!”
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WREN?
Do you have some sage recommendations for tweaks to the 2009 Atlanta Braves roster? You may want to fire up the laptop Thursday at 3 p.m., when Braves executive vice president and general manager Frank Wren will be live on Braves.com to field questions from baseball fans. Wren, in his ninth season with the Braves, recently completed his first year as the team’s executive vice president and GM.
To be part of the online conversation, fans have to register in advance on either Braves.com or MLB.com. Registration is free.
A NOVEL CONCEPT
At last week’s Atlanta Pet Rescue benefit at Park Tavern in Midtown, we were immediately intrigued by the table of guys scrutinizing jewelry under fluorescent lights in the back of the facility. Turns out it was Arnold Shapiro and Michael Nelson, the proprietors of the Marietta business Gold Fund Raising Concepts. And unlike a lot of local businesses these days, Shapiro and Nelson’s is booming.
“We’re booked straight through the holidays,” Shapiro told Buzz. Essentially, Gold Fund Raising Concepts gets invited to metro Atlanta fund-raisers and social gatherings, where attendees are invited to bring old gold to said soiree and sell it for cash (Nelson was guarding a stack of greenbacks large enough to stifle the voice-over guys for both the Saxby Chambliss and Jim Martin attack ad campaigns). Mere minutes into the fund-raiser, the company had already collected about 20 pieces in a Ziplock bag and paid out $600. According to Shapiro, Gold Fund Raising then, in turn, donates 60 percent back to the nonprofit.
“With the economy the way it is, people need cash and nonprofit contributions are also down,” he said. “When you factor in the price of gold, this is win-win for everyone.”
Recently at Zaban Park at Marcus Jewish Community Center in Dunwoody, the company cut the JCC a check for $10,000.
Said Shapiro: “We’ve been invited back!”
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actor Alan Young (“Mr. Ed”) (above) is 89. Talk show host Larry King is 75. Talk show host Dick Cavett is 72. Media mogul Ted Turner is 70. Fashion designer Calvin Klein is 66. Actress Allison Janney (“The West Wing”) is 48. Actress Meg Ryan is 47. Actress Jodie Foster is 46. Country singer Billy Currington (below) is 35.
OVERSCENE
Rapper Young Jeezy dining with a friend at Chima Brazilian Steakhouse. We’re told he enjoyed “the lighter fare, chicken, salmon, etc., and chose not to eat any red meat.” Jeezy the young also ordered a bottle of Far Niente Napa Valley wine.
Got a tip for Peach Buzz? 404-526-2749 or buzz@ajc.com
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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At early party, familiar ones call Turner 70
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Technically speaking, CNN founder Ted Turner turns the big 7-0 on Wednesday. But since the Mouth of the South is on the Left Coast this week hawking his best-selling memoir, “Call Me Ted,” 500 of his closest friends and family members turned up Saturday night at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta to pay tribute.
Media mogul turned rancher Turner himself began the evening’s entertainment, surprising guests with an a cappella rendition of “Home on the Range.”
Among those in attendance: Turner’s children, grandchildren, ex-wife Jane Fonda and her family, Andrew and Carolyn Young, Hank and Billye Aaron, CNN president Jim Walton and wife Sarah, CNN chief international corespondent Christiane Amanpour, Ted’s Montana Grill co-founder George McKerrow Jr. and wife Ginair, and employees of Ted Turner Enterprises and his numerous ranch properties in Montana.
Veteran Turner family event planner Barbara Roos oversaw the gorgeously decorated ballroom. The evening’s theme honoring the retired America’s Cup sailor was a nautical one: “Don’t Worry About The Wind, Adjust The Sails.”
Legendary TBS and CNN fixture and longtime Turner friend Bill Tush served as the evening’s emcee.
The centerpieces on each table were environmentally friendly arrangements that were being donated to Turner’s Captain Planet Foundation (guests also were advised against bringing gifts and to instead make donations to the eco-friendly charity).
On the menu? Turner’s beloved bison, along with Maine lobster, butternut squash soup and birthday cake with fresh berries.
“The entire evening was themed around the things that are important to Ted,” attendee Jenn Hobby told Buzz Monday.
Oh, and the special musical guest flown in to serenade Turner? None other than song-writing legend Burt Bacharach was there to tickle the ivories. (We hear that while Bacharach traditionally refrains from performing anything outside his own catalog of hits, he finally relented and sang “Happy Birthday” for Turner).
Naturally, the man who once gifted United Nations charitable causes with a check for $1 billion made sure that guests at his birthday were given keepsakes of the evening. The birthday boy posed for pictures with each guest and the developed snapshots, along with an autographed copy of “Call Me Ted,” were awaiting each at departure.
THUNDER DOME
The Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders let us in on a little secret the other night as they volunteered their time at Paws for Cocktails, a benefit for Atlanta Pet Rescue at Park Tavern: They love it when you get rowdy at their workplace — Sunday’s loss at the Georgia Dome notwithstanding.
“That’s why we jump up and down on defense so much,” explained Brandy, a four-season cheerleader with the team (team policy allows the women to be identified only by their first names). “Plus, all that noise completely psyches out the visiting team.”
Brandy says the energy at work this season is light years away from the drama of last season. “It’s a much more positive, energized environment,” she says. “The commitment and excitement are there, on and off the field. We were a little scared to get too excited at first, because no one knew what to expect this year. But we’re thrilled.”
Falcons cheerleader Margaret is new to the squad this season and told us she’s having a ball in the big leagues. “I grew up in Alabama, where we have no professional teams,” she explained. “Getting to work in the Dome is just completely wild. I can’t wait for game day.”
FAKED OUT AMONG THE PHARAOHS
Initially, we were a little confused when a leggy Egyptian model approached us the over the weekend at the Atlanta Peach magazine sneak peek of “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs” exhibition at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center. Turns out the dark-haired beauty was actually Atlanta charitable fund-raiser Angela Karatassos. Atlanta Peach publisher Elizabeth Schulte Roth had somehow talked the trademark blond Karatassos into having Buckhead Carter-Barnes makeup wizard Kiev Osborne transform her for the evening. Our favorite moment? When Karatassos sent off cellphone pics of herself to her hubby, Kyma executive chef Pano I. Karatassos, who was busy working at the chic Greek eatery and had no idea his wife was playing desert dress-up. When we asked if she might keep the outfit on as a surprise for when Pano arrived home, she just smiled and said “Hmmm …”
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Actress Linda Evans is 66. Actor Oscar Nunez (“The Office”) is 50. Actor Owen Wilson (“The Royal Tenenbaums,” “Zoolander”) is 40. Singer Duncan Sheik is 39. Actress Peta Wilson (“La Femme Nikita”) is 38. Actress Chloe Sevigny (“Boys Don’t Cry”) is 34.
Contributing: News services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Monica Pearson shows off Broadway talents
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
She’s unparalleled in Atlanta for anchoring the news at WSB-TV, but on Saturday night at the gala benefiting The Lyric Theatre at the W Midtown hotel, Monica Pearson multi-tasked as co-emcee, fierce auctioneer and song-and-dance hoofer.
On stage, Pearson kicked off the evening’s festivities for the city’s only professional full-time musical theater by belting out, “Give My Regards to Broadway.”
Did we mention she was sporting a Janet Jackson-esque microphone and white tie and tails? The number ended with Pearson doing “A Chorus Line” kicks with five dancers in black tie.
“Tonight is the first time I’ve ever worn white tie and tails,” Pearson joked with us when she arrived back at her table in a chic gray skirt and jacket. “I actually had to go to a guy for help as I was getting dressed. I was trying to figure out what went where. I think the ladies may have it a little easier than the men.” Between newscasts, Pearson has been busy rehearsing for the charity event (including three rehearsals Saturday) as a favor to her longtime friend Carey Carter, the evening’s co-chair.
Later, as auctioneer, Pearson successfully negotiated $3,500 each out of a pair of donors for a Broadway-themed trip to New York. When one bidder hesitated, Pearson cracked: “This is not Marshalls!” The joke got a laugh, applause and most importantly, in these economic times, the attendee’s plastic.
Former “American Idol” Diana DeGarmo showed off her new stylish dark hair when she arrived to sing a few numbers, most notably, “Good Morning Baltimore” from Broadway’s “Hairspray,” where she recently portrayed Penny Pingleton.
“Since I only sang backup on this in this show, I’ve had to remind myself to sing the lead vocal this time!” she confided to the crowd.
There was no shortage of talent from co-chair Mary Welch Rogers either. In addition to fund-raising, the actress surprised attendees singing the title selection from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” which perhaps, not coincidentally, kicks off the Lyric’s 2008-2009 season Dec. 5 at The Strand Theatre in Marietta.
OVERSCENE
NBA legend Julius Erving celebrating his new purchase of the former Heritage golf course in Norcross at The Palm steakhouse in Buckhead. The eatery’s general manager Willy Cellucci tells us Dr. J is renovating the 27-hole course to tournament quality and renaming it Celebrity Golf Course International. Fellow celebrants included baseball great Ken Griffey Jr., former Chicago Bear Richard Dent, former Atlanta Falcon Terrance Mathis and PGA pioneer Lee Elder. Olympian Edwin Moses, producer Jermaine Dupri and pop star Nelly also popped in to congratulate Dr. J.
BIRTHDAY ON ICE
When guests arrived at Q100 Bert Show producer Jeff Dauler’s private 35th birthday party at the Hard Rock Cafe downtown late Saturday night, a Skyy vodka bar was awaiting them.
Made out of solid ice.
Attendees also were treated to a photo booth, courtesy of Wow Photo Booth and a cake roughly the dimensions of Dunwoody.
Dauler’s secret weapon: his party planner and spouse Jessica Dauler, who also happens to be the businesswoman behind Jessicashops.com, a Web site that tells Atlantans where are the best bargains are.
On stage was up-and-coming Atlanta singer-songwriter Ben Deignan and his band Suburban Soul. Local music scenesters who have only caught Deignan gigging around town as a solo acoustic act, got a shock as they entered the club during the set. A wave of very tight rock n’ soul smacked fans in the face (we’re pleased to report that pressing one’s face to the surface of the Skyy bar for a few seconds relieved any lingering stinging sensation). By the time Deignan and crew closed the set, the guitar-slinging singer, a whirling dervish on stage, had soaked through his shirt.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Guitarist Gerry McGee of The Ventures is 71. Singer Gordon Lightfoot is 70. Movie director Martin Scorsese is 66. “Saturday Night Live” producer Lorne Michaels is 64. Actor Dylan Walsh (“Nip/Tuck”) is 45. Actress-model Daisy Fuentes is 42. Singer Ronnie DeVoe of New Edition is 41. Guitarist Isaac Hanson of Hanson is 28. Actor Justin Cooper (“Liar, Liar”) is 20.
Contributing: News services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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At Press Club, Ted Turner lets loose on GM, President Bush
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Aside from a not-entirely-unfounded fear of lodging a luncheon roll in one’s windpipe, CNN founder and memoirist Ted Turner delighted and entertained a sold-out crowd of admirers Friday at the Atlanta Press Club luncheon at the Commerce Club downtown.
Introduced by former CNN chairman and old pal Tom Johnson as “a hero and the only genius I’ve ever known,” Turner, the author of “Call Me Ted,” strode to the podium for a wide-ranging series of remarks and questions from the audience.
With apologies to Atlanta Press Club sponsor General Motors and their employees in the room, the co-founder of Ted’s Montana Grill said he’d rather bail out the U.S. restaurant industry than auto workers.
“They deserve what they’ve done,” Turner said. “Toyota will take them over at some point. Giving the auto industry $25 million might get them through Christmas!”
Calling President George W. Bush “one of the dumbest people in the country,” Turner expressed hope for the incoming Barack Obama administration. “We need to have smart people instead of dumb people running things,” he explained.
When Buzz asked him to finish his thoughts on the economy that he started to explain this week on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” Turner told us: “It’s simple: you shouldn’t spend more money than you make. You don’t buy more than you can afford. That’s how you get rich. We need to start saving money. This could be as bad as The Great Depression.”
And Turner reminded the audience that no one is immune from corporate changes.
“I would loved to have kept my job at Time-Warner, but I was let go. And I was Time’s Man of the Year! I’m proof that anybody can be let go. Don’t think you have job security.”
Georgia State journalism major Heath Croft asked the question of the luncheon, however.
When the college senior asked Turner what he thought of the current CNN Headline News, Turner made a gagging noise.
Said Turner: “How many people think I like Nancy Grace?! And that other guy whose name was bigger than the [CNN] logo? That guy who went to Fox [News], thank God? Glenn Beck. I can’t watch it anymore.”
Staton has ‘Praise’ for her choir
For “I Will Sing My Praise to You,” her brand new praise and worship album, R&B and gospel legend Candi Staton shares the spotlight with Snellville’s Hope & Life Fellowship choir and its music director John Brockman.
“I’m so blessed to have them on this record with me,” the Stone Mountain resident told Buzz. So how did Staton find the talented singers? She’s a member of Hope & Life Fellowship. A nonsinging member at that.
“I just love sitting there listening to other people praise the Lord,” she explained. “It’s never ‘Candi, did you bring a track?’ They don’t do that to me. I can go there and just be a worshipper. You have to have a moment, you know?”
Saturday, Staton performed numbers from “Praise” and signed copies for fans at the Stonecrest Mall Borders Books & Music in Lithonia.
Staton performs her R&B and disco hits annually in Europe in concerts before 50,000. The singer says it’s those old R&B fans who are more likely to check out her gospel offerings. But not the other way around.
“A lot of folks still think if you sing secular, you’re going to hell. But I look at Jesus’ life. He didn’t hang out with the religious folk too much. He went where he was needed. Instead of taking water to the ocean, he was taking it to the desert,” she said.
Celebrating 50 with the ASO
When the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 50th anniversary Saturday night in Symphony Hall, there will be a special guest more than twice as old as the orchestra itself.
Ruth Allen, 101, was one of the orchestra founders. She taught violin in Atlanta for over 70 years. Former students can be found in professional symphonies in London, Boston, Baltimore, Atlanta and other cities.
Buzz recently caught up with the lively Mrs. Allen at Lenbrook retirement home on Peachtree Road in Buckhead. She no longer plays music, but reads voraciously. She had a copy of “Audacity of Hope,” by Barack Obama, and cast her absentee ballot for the president-elect.
Allen said began playing violin when she was 8 — a late start these days — and studied under legendary Hungarian violinist Leopold Auer shortly after he moved to the U.S. in 1918.
She said aspiring musicians should start “as early as possible to get their muscles used to play and to train their ear.”
“She was a wonderful teacher,” said former student Raymond Page of Raleigh, who teaches music and played with the Alard Quartet for many years.
“She’s basically a sweet person, and I never saw her get angry, but you knew when you disappointed her.”
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Saturday: “People’s Court” judge Joseph Wapner is 89. Actor Ed Asner is 79. Actor John Kerr (“South Pacific”) is 77. Singer Petula Clark is 76. Actor Sam Waterston (“Law and Order”) is 68. Bandleader Kevin Eubanks (“The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”) is 51.
Sunday: Actress Marg Helgenberger (“CSI”) is 50. Jazz singer Diana Krall is 44. Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal is 31.
OVERSCENE
Professional race car driver Danica Patrick dining on an apple walnut salad prior to greeting 200 awaiting fans at ESPN Zone in Buckhead. Patrick challenged fans on a racing simulator for a pair of round-trip AirTran tickets. The racing star was doing well until the final turn of the last lap when a finalist put her virtual car into a wall. She finished third.
Contributing: Kirsten Tagami and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Grady talent put to good use again
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house at last year’s fund-raiser for Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center in Cedartown when a group of talented Grady High School students hit the stage to perform at the sold-out benefit.
On the eve of their return to the charitable footlights at Saturday’s benefit for the Atlanta Lyric Theatre at the Midtown W hotel, Buzz was honored to observe a rehearsal this week in the Grady High auditorium.
Under the direction of teacher Lee Pope, 14 Grady musical theater students were busy finalizing dance steps, punching up lyrics and doing the occasional backflip for us and the benefit’s co-chair, Mary Welch Rogers.
“This is exciting for the Lyric Theatre because it’s an opportunity to build community,” Rogers told us. “These young people represent the future. Hopefully, we’ll see some of them onstage at the Lyric in the future as well. It’s win-win.”
The students were rehearsing “Magic to Do,” their big opening number from the musical “Pippin.”
Grady senior Miriam Huppert has fond memories of participating in last year’s benefit.
“Everyone was really receptive,” she said. “It will be great to be able to participate again. This time, though, we’re doing something a bit more Broadway.”
Kevin Johnson, 17, emerges onstage to bring his fellow student “muses” to life in the number.
“It’s a happy song and you get to incorporate some fluid movements into it,” he explained. And Johnson isn’t bashful about revealing his secret weapon for the number: “My dimples!”
Grady student Ryan Lamotte, 18, is excited that they’ll have an opportunity to show off skills they’ve learned from their teacher, too.
“Mr. Pope has taught us so much and it’s great that we have a chance to expand that and show other people how talented he is, too.”
Cracked the modest Pope: “I’m just a control freak!”
Added Jonnaia Reynolds, 16: “We’re just hoping to make the audience happy.”
Some tickets remain for “Atlanta Lyric Theatre Gives Its Regards to Broadway” at the Midtown W Saturday night. Former “American Idol” contestant Diana DeGarmo and an as-yet-unnamed iconic Atlanta anchorwoman are also set to perform. Call 404-377-9948.
Make a donation, get a cupcake
With the holidays looming and the economic slump continuing, we’re betting that Hosea Feed the Hungry director Elisabeth Omilami is fretting about how she’s going to feed folks on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Well, since the Highland Bakery in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood has been fortunate enough to see its burgeoning business extend into a 1,200-square-foot expansion, owner Stacey Eames is opting to lend a helping hand to the charity this holiday season.
During this month and next, when Highland Bakery’s devoted dessert fiends line up to score cupcakes, bread and croissants and donate two canned goods for Hosea’s Feed the Hungry, they’ll be treated to a complimentary bagel or cupcake.
Said Eames: “We’re excited to celebrate our new addition by helping those in need through the holidays. Donations are down this year and we wanted to help by raising awareness of the program.”
Free treat for fans of the Braves
Looking for an economical family field trip this weekend? From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, fans can enjoy free admission at the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame downtown. Yup, the Braves will offer freebie tours of Turner Field and admission to the museum, featuring more than 600 artifacts, including Hank Aaron’s No. 715 bat and ball, Warren Spahn’s Cy Young Award and Purple Heart, the Braves’ 1995 World Series trophy and our personal fave, Sid Bream’s knee brace from his now historic slide home in 1992.
In addition, fans will get a gander at the stadium’s dugout, the press box and broadcast booth and even a peek inside their favorite players’ lockers in the Braves’ clubhouse.
Buzz has been reassured, incidentally, that Chipper Jones has carefully removed any and all traces of his trademark chewing products from the vicinity.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis (above) is 74. Writer P.J. O’Rourke is 61. Zydeco singer-accordionist Buckwheat Zydeco is 61. Actress Laura San Giacomo (“Saving Grace”) is 47. Rapper Reverend Run of Run-DMC is 44. Atlanta singer-songwriter Butch Walker is 39. Actor Josh Duhamel (“Las Vegas”) is 36. Drummer Travis Barker (below) of Blink-182 is 33.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I love those people but I love my own house. The White House reminds me of a museum. How do you sleep in a museum? But they’re going to need me so I’m going to be there.”
Future first lady Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, in the new People magazine (out today) on her plans to move part-time to Washington to look after granddaughters Malia and Sasha.
Contributing: news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Ted Turner on the economy: ‘Maybe some children will have to move back home’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sure, Ted Turner has been on “Good Morning America,” “60 Minutes” and CNN this week to promote his fascinating new memoir, “Call Me Ted.” But for his visit to “The Late Show With David Letterman,” Ted offered some timely thoughts on the current raggedy state of the economy: “I think we’re going to have to change our lifestyle. And maybe it will be for the good. For the last 40 years, we’ve equated how much we had with how happy we are. Advertising tells us if you buy a big car and a new TV, you’re going to be happier. But I really don’t think we’re happier than we were in the ’50s. Back when we were living within our means and people had savings. We might have to get to know our neighbors and play bridge with them. Maybe some children will have to move back home. On ‘Sanford & Son,’ the father and son lived in the same house. They had a lot of fun.”
Laughing, Letterman then asked if he could move in with the CNN founder.
Ted’s retort: “If you change your name to Turner!”
Atlanta job searches start network’s day
“Good Morning America” workplace contributor Tory Johnson was live from Atlanta on the ABC morning show today, broadcasting from AmericasMart downtown as she hosted “the earliest job fair in America.” Yes, GMA’s “Great American Job Fair” launched here at 6 a.m. Throughout the 7 to 9 a.m. broadcast, Johnson, the founder of womenforhire.com, offered tips for the under-employed and provide valuable information to those in an increasingly jittery job market.
“Our original goal was to get 50 employers,” Johnson told Buzz. “The response was incredible. Hundreds of Atlanta employers wanted to get involved.”
Included at the fair: technology companies, retailers, insurance companies and even nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and YMCA.
As she talked to “hundreds of Atlantans” preparing for today’s broadcast, Johnson learned a few things about the metro area’s employment situation.
“What I sense is that the city of Atlanta went quickly from being optimistic about growth to desperation. Where did the gas go? What’s happened to our city? Atlanta is certainly not alone.”
Johnson says it may be necessary to rewire our spendthrift selves as we move forward.
“Unfortunately, the lessons of the Great Depression were not permanent. But if you lived through it, it became a textbook lesson that was never forgotten. A lot of us may be experiencing that now. We’re determined not to let this happen to us again.”
The “Good Morning America” job fair ran from 6 to 10 a.m. at AmericasMart, Building 2, 240 Peachtree St. N.W.
OVERSCENE
Actor Ashton Kutcher surprising wife Demi Moore with “an intimate and elegant” 46th birthday party Tuesday night at Dolce Enoteca, the Atlantic Station eatery he co-owns. (Moore is in town shooting the film “The Joneses” with David Duchovny.) We’re told that the party was decorated in a black and white theme, white candles and lilies on each table. Guests enjoyed dinner followed by red velvet cake, which we hear is Moore’s favorite. The birthday girl wore “a sexy black dress” and stayed close to her hubby, who at one point jumped behind the bar to play sommelier.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Producer-director Garry Marshall is 74. Actress Frances Conroy is 55. Actor Chris Noth is 54. Actress Whoopi Goldberg is 53. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel is 41.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Flirty baby almost makes it to the top
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta native Shonté Hayes didn’t think much of it when she saw a cute baby contest online. She just sent in a sweet photo of her son Aidan Jones and forgot about it, because, as she says: “You always think your child is the cutest child in the world.” But then she got the news that Aidan was one of eight semifinalists chosen from 40,000 cutie-pie contest entrants. The prize: a photo shoot and free trip to New York for Hayes, 30, Aidan’s father, Antwoine Jones, 28, and the then-13-month-old baby. Aidan didn’t win a spot on the cover of Babytalk magazine or a debut on “Good Morning America” but his photo does appears on Page 55 of Babytalk’s November issue. “Aidan was our ladies’ man on the set,” the magazine said. “Once he laid eyes on [semifinalists] Keira and Alina, he was all smiles for the day.”
“He’s real friendly with all babies,” says Hayes, who moved with Aidan to Jones’ home state of North Carolina a month ago. “He played with the little boys, too.”
Playing the flirt isn’t unusual for her son, who is now 16 months old, Hayes says. He wasn’t uncomfortable in front of the camera, either. As an only child, he’s used to being the center of attention.
More photos featuring Aidan and seven other finalists are online at www.babytalk.com.
Patrick to race fans at ESPNZone
Fans can watch Danica Patrick race in Atlanta tonight, without all the grit and roar of an IndyCar event. Patrick will visit ESPN Zone and compete against three challengers — via video game. The first 200 fans to arrive at ESPN Zone can meet Patrick, get autographed posters and photos with the driver. WSB sports director Tony Schiavone will host the event.
Patrick will be at ESPN Zone, 3030 Peachtree Road N.W. in Atlanta, at 7 p.m. today. The event is free, but seated guests must purchase food and beverage. Seating begins at 5 p.m. For more info, check out www.espnzone.com/atlanta.
Usher dips into catalog for show
The last time an Usher concert was in town it was four years ago, at Philips Arena, and it was a great show.
When Usher’s current tour stopped in Atlanta Monday, it was at the far-smaller Tabernacle, and not only was it a great show, but it was great Usher.
In his 14 years in the music business (believe it or not), Atlanta’s 30-year-old R&B superstar has enjoyed quite the ascent. “And with that success, there’s been some distance,” the five-time Grammy winner conceded before his performance. “I want to get back and do something more intimate. A more personal ‘thank you.’ “
So Monday evening, the heavily female audience at his “Ladies Only” concert was close enough to him that they could untie and tie his shoes, he joked. But what was particularly remarkable about his near-sold-out, 90-minute set was that Usher was just as accessible and giving.
The singing and dancing phenom reached waaay back into his five-album catalog, performing rarities such as first solo hit “Think of You” and album tracks “Seduction” and “Bad Girl”; songs he was merely featured on, like “Lovers and Friends” (with Lil Jon and Ludacris) and “I Need A Girl” (with Diddy); and bits of songs he just seemed to like, such as Prince’s “Do Me Baby” and “Adore,” Stevie Wonder’s “Rocket Love,” OutKast’s “Prototype,” John Legend’s “Green Light” and T.I.’s “Whatever You Like.”
“I didn’t bring you all the way here just to look at me,” the elegantly attired Usher told a crowd that included Grammy winner Johnta Austin, rapper-actor Bow Wow, choreographer-turned-record label power Devyne Stephens and V-103’s Wanda Smith. “I told y’all I was going to give you a show!”
Kiosk to accept used frying oil
Why not show how grateful we are for new improvements to Atlanta’s sewer system by not pouring frying oil down the drain this Thanksgiving?
Yes, just a few weeks before many among us will fire up our turkey deep fryers, an Atlanta company has set up a residential recycling bin for what’s left after. ReFuel Biodiesel typically works with restaurants, but introduced a community kiosk about a week ago to solve that pesky post-fried turkey cleanup issue. Robert Del Bueno, project manager for ReFuel, said state environmental agencies get a lot of phone calls this time of year as people look for ways to empty their oil jugs.
ReFuel will take frying oils that are liquids at room temperature, like peanut, canola, soy, vegetable and olive oils. What they won’t take: animal fats, bacon drippings, lard, tallow, Crisco or margarine.
ReFuel Biodiesel accepts dropoffs at its kiosk at 250 Arizona Ave. in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.refuelbiodiesel.org.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Playwright-actor Wallace Shawn (“The Princess Bride”) is 65. Organist Booker T. Jones of Booker T. and the MGs is 64. Singer Neil Young is 63. Country singer Barbara Fairchild is 58. Actress Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”) is 50. Bassist David Ellefson (Megadeth) is 44. Actor Sam Lloyd (“Scrubs”) is 41. Actress Tamala Jones (“The Brothers”) is 34. Actress Angela Watson (“Step by Step”) is 34. Singer Tevin Campbell is 32. Actress Ashley Williams (“Good Morning, Miami”) is 30. Bassist Chris Huffman of Casting Crowns is 28. Actress Anne Hathaway (“The Princess Diaries”) is 26. Singer Omarion (B2K) is 24.
Contributing: Sonia Murray and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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‘Bachelorette’ decides she’ll stay that way
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wasn’t it just this past summer that we heard Newnan Realtor and “Bachelorette” DeAnna Pappas burble how much she loved free-wheeling snowboarder Jesse Csincsak and she couldn’t wait to settle down with him in Colorado?
Alas, reality (as opposed to a reality show) set in. Pappas broke off the engagement with Csincsak last week. Csincsak reported the news on a YouTube video, where his heartbreak is evident.
“I did everything in my power to make this work,” he said. “She’s a great person, but she wasn’t willing to try. She wanted something different, I guess. The answer I got was, ‘I love you, but I’m not in love with you.’” (That cliché is still painful, along the lines of, “It’s not you. It’s me!”)
Neither Csincsak nor Pappas were available for comment Monday, according to a spokeswoman for the show. This continues the show’s dismal track record in terms of generating actual marriages (one, to be exact.)
In the meantime, the guy Pappas rejected, the more stable but much duller divorcé Jason Mesnick will become the next “Bachelor.”
Barnes is ‘Jones’ing
Steve Barnes, former 99X morning host, got a speaking role in the current big-budget film shooting in Atlanta, “The Jones.”
On Friday, he had a speaking role with David Duchovny, whose character tries to sell him electronics. Demi Moore and Gary Cole were in the scene as well.
“I spent about eight hours knee to knee with him on the couch, and every woman I know is fighting for details,” Barnes wrote in an e-mail to Buzz. “He was very ‘loose,’ which made it easy to work with him. No attitude and very professional.”
Barnes also hit it off with Moore, who he says looks about 30 although she turns 46 today. “She is the type of ‘A list’ star that you would think would be jaded,” he wrote. “She is NOT.”
The ubiquitous Sheree Whitfield and Kim Zolciak from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” were also on set that day. Zolciak, in an e-mail, wrote, “it was incredible!! Demi and I hit off!”
Barnes noted, “they had a man servant in tow that constantly changed out their shoes [heels to flats] like a NASCAR pit crew tire changer!”
While in town, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher were over scene at the Falcons-Saints game Sunday at the Georgia Dome.
Clermont has class
The Clermont Lounge on Ponce de Leon Avenue is getting some love from Playboy.com, which names the grungy but also charming bar one of the nation’s Top 10 “Great American Dive Bars.”
“Many of the dancers redefine the term ‘Rubenesque’ and may be pushing retirement age, but there’s a talent here that Chuck Barris would die for,” the Web site says about the spot. The infamous “Blondie” gets a mention for her poetry reading and talents crushing a beer can with her bosom.
“Cheap booze and a laid-back, communal vibe make the Clermont a colorful pit stop for Bohemians, miscreants, Mexican day workers and lipstick lesbians, rednecks and rock stars,” the Web site goes on to say and its first ever list of American’s best dives. No one was available Monday for comment, but Buzz has a feeling the cheap booze will flow to celebrate.
The Clermont, a windowless basement strip club luring locals and tourists from around the globe, has received accolades in the past with Esquire magazine last year naming the tavern one of the best bars in America. Playboy.com’s list include Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville and the Ha-Ra Club in San Francisco.
Spears son sick
The youngest son of Britney Spears and Kevin Federline has been hospitalized for some kind of reaction but was expected to be discharged soon.
Two-year-old Jayden James was admitted to the Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center on Sunday after having “a reaction to something he ingested,” a representative for Spears’ family said in a statement.
He is expected to be discharged on Tuesday, the statement said, signing off with “Get well soon, Jayden!”
The hospital is near Spears’ home in Kentwood, La., where she was reportedly staying with family. Representatives for Spears and her family didn’t immediately return messages left Monday.
Spears and ex-husband Federline also are parents to 3-year-old Sean Preston.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Clark pupils must master YouTube fame
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wondering how to achieve overnight success on YouTube? Lucky for you Buzz was able to quiz some experts. So, you may want to jot down these three quick tips for viral video fame, provided by The Ron Clark Academy.
By the end of last week, the southeast Atlanta school had more than 4 million views on YouTube for the song, “You Can Vote However You Like,” to the tune of T.I.’s “Whatever You Like.”
Tip No. 1: Sing, teach or do whatever it is you’re passionate about, then share it. The students at the private, nonprofit school used songs to learn about algebra and European monarchs. The voting song was a hit. “When you do good things, they come back to you,” says Clark, an educator who was the subject of the TNT-original movie, “The Ron Clark Story.”
Tip No. 2: Respect your fame, and learn from it. “I’m kind of a shy person. It was kind of a shock and awkward, but now I’m used to it,” says Ahjanae Colson, 13, a seventh-grader. “The school helps you adjust a lot. We had a class meeting where we talked about the negatives and positives.” Says Justyn McGowan, 12: “This is great preparation. I have big dreams. You never know, I might get on TV. I do kind of feel famous, but we have the knowledge to go with it.”
Tip No. 3: Keep it going. After a few live performances, talk shows and news networks came calling. Students are expected to appear this week on ABC’s “Good Morning America” with a song they wrote about Barack Obama.
A Ferst for Fonda
Audiences members at Georgia Tech’s Ferst Center for the Arts can probably be forgiven for swiveling their heads looking for Dolly Parton at Friday night’s sold-out performance. After all, Parton’s two “9 to 5” co-stars were in the house. Grammy, Tony and Emmy-winning comedienne Lily Tomlin was in town to perform a 90-minute show. Seated in Row 15 Center was her Oscar-winning pal and Poncey-Highland resident Jane Fonda.
Tomlin riffed on some of the Atlanta sights she had taken in, including the Georgia Aquarium (“considering the drought, why don’t they just bring those mussels from Alabama there?”).
Tomlin also joked about her visit to Southern Bell decades ago as she was creating her iconic telephone operator Ernestine (who, incidentally, in 2008 is now a former phone company employee working for an HMO customer service hotline … ) .
The gracious audience gave Tomlin a rousing three-minute standing ovation at the show’s conclusion. After the set, both stars hosted friends and VIP ticket holders (about 200 guests) on stage for an informal meet and greet, autographs and photos.
Fonda said Friday night marked the first time she had seen Tomlin in concert in Atlanta (although Tomlin and Fonda have reunited offstage when Tomlin visits Atlanta to help her friend raise money for her Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention non-profit): “No, had not seen [Tomlin] in Atlanta. But the Ferst [Center] was a great venue for this. The is my first time here and it is great — and so was Lily!”
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Plane trip saves a vote for Obama
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On Election Day, morning radio personality Leslie Fram got off the air and immediately proceeded to her Chastain Park precinct to vote in the presidential election.
But unlike the rest of us, the groundbreaking former 99X program director, who now works weekdays at WRXP-FM in New York, had to board an AirTran flight to her hometown to exercise her right to vote.
“Basically, I screwed up,” Fram told Buzz, laughing as she climbed into a New York cab afterward. “I forgot to fill out my absentee ballot. But as far as I was concerned, this was the most important election of our time.”
Miraculously, when Fram got to her polling place, only two voters were in line ahead of her. After “taking time to play with the dogs” at her Atlanta home, she immediately flew back to New York, since she had to be back on the air early Wednesday morning.
“I literally voted in Atlanta and by the time I got back in New York City, the election results were on the radio in the shuttle I was riding in.”
Fram laughed when Buzz asked how her “I’m a Georgia voter” peach sticker played in the Big Apple.
Said Fram: “Yeah, they have apples up here. The peach sticker doesn’t exactly compute here!”
Fram was so exhausted that she crashed and didn’t find out until Wednesday morning that her candidate, Barack Obama, was the president-elect.
The program director who, while at 99X helped to launch the career of Shawn Mullins, also is making good on her promise to keep a hand in her beloved Atlanta music scene.
On Dec. 19, Fram is jetting back in with her WRXP-FM morning co-host and MTV legend Matt Pinfield to host the FramJam Xmas Party, a benefit for the WXIA Can-a-Thon food drive at BrickWorks on Marietta Street in Atlanta. Attendees are asked to bring five cans of food to the concert featuring Fram faves, including Carrie Johnson, Ben Deignan, Death on Two Wheels, the Hot Rods and Gringo Star.
Tickets: $10 in advance; www.xorbia.com, www.framjam.com.
Austin honored
Grammy-winning Atlanta music and film producer Dallas Austin will pick up another award Friday night at the annual benefit party for Georgia Lawyers for the Arts at Mason Murer Gallery.
Austin is expected to attend the gala to accept the GLA Artist’s Advocate Award for bringing music and film education to thousands of young people through his foundation, said executive director Lisa Moore.
The Dallas Austin Foundation, started in 2003, has built recording studios in about 10 public schools, hosted a conference for college students to learn about the entertainment industry and provided scholarships to students majoring in music, she said.
This year, Georgia Lawyers for the Arts will provide more than $1 million in free legal services to about 5,000 individual Atlanta artists and arts organizations. The nonprofit is in its 33rd year.
Bid on Babineaux
Atlanta Falcon Jonathan Babineaux won’t just be attending tonight’s “A Meal to Remember” benefit at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead for Senior Citizens Services, the city’s Meals on Wheels program. After helping to deliver meals to seniors between tackles last week, No. 95 wanted to do more to help the nonprofit in these economic tough times. So at 8 tonight, during the fund-raiser’s live auction, attendees can bid on some quality private time with Babineaux after an NFL game (we’re assuming the winning bidder won’t be responsible for applying post-game ice packs, however).
We’re told that Babineaux’s goal tonight is to raise money to help at least 51 seniors on the program’s meals waiting list.
For tickets: www.scsatl.org or call 404-605-8450.
Celebrity birthdays
Singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell is 65. Singer Nick Gilder is 57. Actor Christopher Knight (“The Brady Bunch”) is 51. Actor Jeremy London (“Party of Five”) is 36. Actor Jason London (“The Rage: Carrie Two”) is 36. Actress Yunjin Kim (“Lost”) is 35.
HIGH FIVE
Television
The Top OnDemand programs for the week of Oct. 27 to Nov. 2 as determined by Comcast customers in metro Atlanta:
1. “Entourage,” “First Class Jerk” episode, HBO
2. “True Blood,” “The Fourth Man in the Fire” episode, HBO
3. Beyonce, “If I Were a Boy” video, Music Choice
4. “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Dumped” episode, Nickelodeon
5. TI, “What Up, What’s Haapnin’” video, Music Choice
— Rentrak’s OnDemand Essentials
OVERSCENE
Former Atlanta Hawks player Dikembe Mutombo buying copies of our commemorative “Historic Win” presidential election edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution outside the AJC building at 72 Marietta St. downtown. … Danity Kane’s Dee Woods sampling spicy Buffalo wings, shrimp quesadilla, queso especial dip, tortilla chips and barbecue candy cane ribs at Stats sports bar downtown. … Gnarls Barkley Grammy winner Cee-Lo was also spotted there, chowing down on the Stats Burger with Jack cheese, guacamole, poblano pepper and sour cream.
Contributing: Kirsten Tagami and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Politics have reigned at Amsterdam since Super Tuesday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Call it “Extreme Makeover: Nightclub Edition.” Midtown nightspot Amsterdam traditionally offers drag shows and music videos as primary forms of entertainment for its gay and lesbian patrons. Not so on Tuesday night. The joint looked more like Manuel’s Tavern as 600 attendees turned up to watch the election results on the club’s 23 TVs.
(Allen Sullivan / asullivan@ajc.com)
“It’s been amazing,” co-owner Earl Duffy told us. “We started hosting viewing parties on Super Tuesday and it’s turned into all this.”
Stonewall Democrats mingled with Log Cabin Republicans as states turned red and blue before them.
In the adjacent dance club, the Spot, Halloween decorations had been stripped off the walls so two huge screens could be installed to broadcast more election results. Red, white and blue bunting and American flags hung throughout the facility.
As Pennsylvania was called for Obama, cheers reminiscent of those heard at the Georgia Dome for an Atlanta Falcons touchdown echoed through the club.
Duffy doubles as a bartender at Amsterdam.
“That’s what it’s sounded like through every primary and debate here,” he said. “I’m 50 years old and I’ve never seen this kind of excitement. Not even when [Bill] Clinton first ran. It’s probably good that I stocked up on champagne.”
Baby-sitting keeps mayor from parties
As one of the nation’s most influential African-American female leaders, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin had her pick of parties for Tuesday night’s historic presidential election.
So where did herzzoner end up?
Like many people, she was at home with the remote, flipping around the different news outlets as the votes came in across the nation. Franklin told Q100’s “Bert Show” on Wednesday morning that she had, in fact, been invited to Barack Obama’s victory celebration in Chicago’s Grant Park. But instead, she blew off Barack for a bigger VIP.
Her 11-month-old grandbaby.
Yes, Franklin, a Democrat, volunteered to play grandma on election night as thousands of her fellow Atlantans partied in the streets like the peach had just dropped at Underground Atlanta.
Herzzoner conceded she didn’t exactly whoop it up while baby-sitting either.
“I thought about [having a glass of wine], but I stuck to juice and water and put off celebrating,” Franklin said. “I’ll have a glass of wine tonight.”
Franklin also praised the president-elect for reaching out to John McCain supporters during his acceptance speech. Said Franklin: “We cannot take for granted the validity of those issues.”
Overscene
Incumbent U.S. Senate candidate Saxby Chambliss enjoying a post-Election Day meal at Kyma in Buckhead.
Red vs. blue
One of the more fascinating people Buzz was introduced to Tuesday night? New Mexico voter Ilya Krueger, who couldn’t help shouting, “My vote counted!” as his state was placed in Obama’s win column. But Krueger, who was visiting friends here, didn’t come to his decision lightly. The 32-year-old commercial pilot confessed to conflicting views about the ‘08 campaign.
“I was a huge McCain supporter in 2000,” he recalled. “I ended up voting for George W. Bush. But this time out, McCain ceased to be the candidate I liked. He took too many plays from the Karl Rove playbook.”
Up until a week and a half ago, Krueger remained undecided. “Then I went back and examined the speeches and, honestly, Sarah Palin was the final nail in the coffin for me. The fact that Tina Fey could spoof her without really changing the text of her comments was very telling for me.”
And Krueger no doubt had a few election night tales from Atlanta to tell back home Wednesday. He stepped out of O’Terrill’s Pub on Piedmont Avenue late Tuesday just as CNN declared Obama the winner. Nearby residents immediately flocked to their apartment and condo balconies, screaming and setting off fireworks.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Director Mike Nichols is 77. Actress Sally Field is 62. Singer Glenn Frey is 60. Actor Ethan Hawke is 38. Model-actress Rebecca Romijn is 36. Actress Thandie Newton (below) is 36.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“My country has grown up.”
Poet and author Maya Angelou to ABC News anchor Robin Roberts on the outcome of the 2008 presidential race
Contributing: News services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Cabbage Patch Palin doll gets the biggest bid
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After all the anxious moments, frantic voting and many, many trips to the polls, Buzz can confidently report that Sarah Palin has emerged victorious.
In the eBay one-of-a-kind Cabbage Patch Kids presidential dolls online election, at least.
The five-day benefit for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation touted the Georgia-bred dolls in the very limited edition guises of presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama, along with their respective running mates, Palin and Joe Biden. The Palin plush alone netted $19,000, but the winning bidder at 8 a.m. Tuesday actually plunked down $36,950 for all four dolls.
The Obama doll came in second with a winning bid of $8,400, followed by McCain with $6,000 while the Biden doll went for $3,550.
The winning bidder was not immediately disclosed. We may never know, at least not until the buyer reposts the items on the online auction house at a sizable mark-up.
The real winner? Toys for Tots netted the entire $36,950 for its needy kids this holiday season.
A star at Starship
Another Sarah Palin doll also proved to be a hot commodity on Election Day.
At the 22 metro area Starship adult novelty stores.
Yes, to cash in on the attractive Alaska governor’s new notoriety, a doll in her likeness has been created and marketed for voters eager to spend a little, er, extra quality time with the candidate.
At the Starship store in Conyers on Tuesday, manager Sunday Carter told Buzz the $199 “durable” doll was by far the store’s biggest seller.
“It’s probably because she’s been in the news so much,” Carter theorized. “But to be honest, I don’t ask. I don’t want to know. I just ring them up.”
Stork report update
Their first child will celebrate his first birthday Nov. 26; and next month, Atlanta R&B superstar Usher and his bride of a year, Tameka, expect to be parents again.
Though Usher has been especially mum about his family life this time around, during an appearance Tuesday on the “Today” show he told Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb that “he or she” is due next month.
While he just started his “Ladies Only” tour this week, he was on the last hour of the morning show to discuss his political efforts and new politically minded single “Hush.”
Appel of the race
Two out of three isn’t bad, said Sam Appel, 79, who returned to Atlanta on Tuesday from his second New York City Marathon, where he accomplished the majority of his goals.
He did live, and he did finish, but he did not refrain from talking to people along the course.
The first eight miles Appel maintained a 14-minute mile pace when … well, distractions occurred.
People chanted, “USA” when they saw his Fourth of July race shirt streaking by, so he had to run over and give them a few high-fives. Others held cute babies, and he had to give those fat cheeks a kiss. Then there was a guy standing near the Brooklyn subway station who wanted a hug, so Appel obliged.
“The whole thing was great,” said Appel, who met runners from Atlanta, France and Switzerland. One runner even shared her peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
BIRTHDAYS
Singer Art Garfunkel is 67. Singer Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits is 61. Actress Tatum O’Neal is 45. Singer-guitarist Ryan Adams is 34. Guitarist Kevin Jonas of The Jonas Brothers is 21.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“[Former President Jimmy] Carter is more of a book-selling machine. He was like, ‘Nuh-uh, that’s a good title!’ ” — “The Wordy Shipmates” author Sarah Vowell on the sage advice the Plains president gave her when she asked if “Assassination Vacation” was a bad name for her 2005 book.
Contributing: Sonia Murray, Vikki Conwell and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Cheerleaders stand in for voters in line
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Don’t want to stand in a long line to vote today? You might be able to get a high school cheerleader to do it for you. Atlanta radio station Q100 has arranged for eight local high school cheerleaders to be placeholders for people who call the station today at announced times.
“People really, really don’t want to wait that long standing in line,” said Bert Weiss, host of “The Bert Show.” “People call in and tell us their stories,” he continued. “We had a mom of four who is also working, and she doesn’t have four to six hours to stand in line.”
The station contacted metro Atlanta cheerleading coaches, and got responses from girls at Woodstock, North Gwinnett, Peachtree Ridge, Flowery Branch and other schools off today because the schools are polling places. Q100 lined up two placeholders Monday and will offer six more today to the 100th callers when announced.
The cheerleaders will meet the voters at their polling places, exchange cell numbers, then call when they get near the front of the line. In return, the students get two tickets to an upcoming concert with “American Idol” winner David Cook and others.
The Georgia secretary of state’s office clarified for Buzz that there’s no legal problem with using placeholders in voting lines.
Lunch with T-Boz
Over filet mignon and crème brûlée, TLC star Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Judge Penny Brown Reynolds (from “Family Court With Judge Penny”) gave six Clayton County high school students pearls of wisdom and a brush with fame at Frank and Tanya Ski’s Atlanta home Sunday.
The Skis, through their foundation, wanted to inspire the best and brightest seniors from the beleaguered Clayton County public school system, which lost its accreditation this year. They also presented $1,000 scholarships to each teen.
Meaghan Jackson, a senior and student government president at Morrow High School, said she always will remember a line Judge Penny told her: “God will call into existence those things which do not exist if you only believe.”
Judge Penny hugged Jackson goodbye and told her, “As the first person in your family to go to college and finish high school, that’s a big weight and responsibility. But just be the best you can be. Don’t worry about carrying the legacy.”
Clayton County students Songsarae Harley (left) and Tyler Jones were among six students receiving $1,000 scholarship checks Sunday from a foundation of V-103 morning host Frank Ski. (RODNEY HO / rho@ajc.com)
Tyler Jones, a Mount Zion High School senior who wants to go to Georgia Tech, said she’s heard people denigrate her school system, saying anybody going there might as well give up dreams of college.
“I’m really insulted by that,” she said. “We have good teachers, good test scores. It’s our school board that can’t get its act together.”
Jones said her father told her not to be starstruck, but she couldn’t help it.
“Oh, my God! I’m sitting next to T-Boz! She touched my arm!” she thought to herself at lunch. “I had to pinch myself under the table to make sure this wasn’t a dream!”
Decatur’s taste
In other pre-election news, Sen. Barack Obama easily won more votes — in the form of bite-size Snickers, M&M’s and pretzels — on Halloween night in Decatur.
In a worldwide exclusive for Buzz, 9-year-old Moey Rojas, who dressed up as a voting machine, released the results to us: Obama, 111 pieces of candy (which included one absentee Airhead candy that arrived in the mail); Sen. John McCain, 27 pieces of candy; and one piece of chocolate for Bob Barr, the Libertarian presidential candidate.
Wearing a costume with red, white and blue fabric that mimicked a ballot box, Moey, who was featured in the AJC and on CNN, was greeted by eager electors. One McCain supporter slipped in a multi-pack of full-size Snickers (but it still only counted as one vote). Some wanted to let their pets vote, too (not allowed).
CNN.com is selling a T-shirt with the headline, “Obama wins Halloween Candy Vote.”
Zone-ing out on the Fan
Former 790/the Zone sports talk-show hosts Matt Chernoff and Chuck Oliver will reunite starting today from 1 to 3 p.m. on rival 680/the Fan. The pair will specialize in college football and replace a syndicated ESPN show. While some local radio stations are paring budgets and cutting personalities in the face of shrinking revenues, the Fan is growing by double digits and is able to expand local content, said Fan president David Dickey. The station’s ratings have improved in recent years.
Former University of Georgia coach Jim Donnan will continue to host a show on Mondays and Thursdays through January, so Chernoff and Oliver’s show will be heard only Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays for now. They’ll contribute to Buck and Kincade 4-7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Former CBS news anchorman Walter Cronkite is 92. Actress Doris Roberts (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) is 78. Actress Loretta Swit (“MASH”) is 71. Singer-guitarist Chris Difford of Squeeze is 54. Actress Kathy Griffin is 48. Actor Ralph Macchio is 47. “Survivor” host Jeff Probst is 47. Actor Matthew McConaughey is 39. Rapper-producer Diddy (Sean Combs) is 39. Actress Heather Tom (“Bold and the Beautiful”) is 33.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I was just so thrilled to see that Kelly wasn’t
wearing a fat suit!”
Savannah’s Lady & Sons owner Paula Deen on “Good Morning America” Monday, discussing Kelly Ripa’s Paula Deen Halloween costume on “Live With Regis & Kelly”
Contributing: Rodney Ho, Phil Kloer, Helena Oliviero and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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Jazz Age fun, fruitful for spinal center
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For the 20th annual Legendary Party benefiting the Shepherd Center, the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead was magically transformed into the Jazz Age on Saturday night.
Formally attired guests, along with a few flappers enticing attendees with raffle tickets, were whisked into Harold’s Joint for a little pre-dinner gambling and cocktails. The only dose of reality among the cards and poker chips? A wide-screen TV showing seemingly endless highlights from that unfortunate Florida win over Georgia on Saturday.
Beyond Lizzie’s Flower shop and the “Positively No Admittance!” signage, the Ritz’s ballroom had been painstakingly recreated as a speakeasy, complete with potted palms, a mirror ball, an old radio microphone and the Doc Scantlin and the Imperial Palms Orchestra on the bandstand. Raiding uniformed beat cops from the era blew on whistles and playfully waved billy clubs in the air as they encouraged diners to take their seats (the “cops” also happily posed for pictures between arrests).
At each place setting, a Legendary Party-etched stainless steel silver flask awaited each attendee. The evening honored longtime Atlanta philanthropist Elizabeth Allen. For many years, she and her husband, Carl, have been generous supporters of the Atlanta spinal and brain injury facility’s groundbreaking work.
JOHN FITTS / Special
Jazz Age chair Sally Dorsey (seated) and chair-elect Cyndae Arrendale stir it up with Buckhead Ritz-Carlton executive chef Andrew Litherland (left) and executive sous chef Drew Sayes.
Looking every inch a big band singer herself, Legendary Party chairwoman Sally Dorsey told the sold-out crowd of 520: “This is not a good economic climate. That’s why I’m so thrilled to tell you that with your help, we’ve raised $775,000 tonight. Thank you, thank you, thank you. This fight is just beginning!”
Ritz-Carlton Buckhead executive chef Andrew Litherland then wowed attendees with a Jazz Age-inspired menu, including a deconstructed Caesar salad, herb-crusted beef tenderloin with Gorgonzola stuffing and a red wine sauce and a flapper martini consisting of white chocolate liqueur, vodka and heavy cream for dessert.
Across the hall, a replica of the legendary New York nightclub the Stork Club had been created (complete with a pink neon stork and trademark awning) for late-night breakfasting and carousing until the wee hours.
Overscene
Last year, the celebrity quotient at the Atlanta Hawks home opener was virtually nil. This year, with the Hawks showing signs of being a quality team, Buzz noted a few notables in the crowd: a very satisfied former Atlanta mayor Andrew Young high-fiving Josh Smith as the Hawks beat the Sixers in a huge come-from-behind win; Olympian and Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt; original Destiny’s Child singer Letoya Luckett and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas of TLC.
“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” lead actor Allen Payne won a Home Depot contest, properly pricing three hardware items (including a leaf blower) and getting a free throw in on his second try, winning a $100 gift card he then gave away.
Most amusing moment: when crowd announcer Michael King introduced Kim Zolciak of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” Buzz could hear some discernible booing. Zolciak appeared blissfully unaffected.
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Composer John Barry is 75. Singer Lulu is 60. Actress-comedian Roseanne Barr is 56. Actress Kathy Kinney (“The Drew Carey Show”) is 55. Actress Kate Capshaw is 55. Comedian Dennis Miller is 55. Singer Adam Ant is 54. Actor Dolph Lundgren (“Rocky IV”) is 51.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Did you have a hard time deciding?”
Gayle King joking to Oprah Winfrey on Friday’s live edition of her talk show after Winfrey disclosed she waited an hour and 12 minutes to vote Thursday. Winfrey has famously endorsed Barack Obama.
Contributing: Rodney Ho and news services.
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
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‘Housewives’ surprised at negative reaction
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On Thursday night, a full house turned out for the third annual Taste of Ebony at the Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery. About 25 Atlanta chefs, including TV One’s G. Garvin, gave guests a taste of their signature dishes. Among the guests were two of the stars of Bravo’s “Real Housewives Atlanta” — Sheree Whitfield and Lisa Wu Hartwell. It appears the “Housewives” are becoming bona-fide celebrities as they spent a great part of the evening posing for photos for and with fans.
“We’ve gotten lots of love from Atlanta,” Hartwell told Buzz.
Whitfield agreed: “It’s been a blessing; we’re having so much fun.”
Still, both say they’ve been surprised by how negative and judgmental some people have been.
“There have been other ‘Housewives’ — New York, Orange County — and it’s like because we’re African-Americans, we’re being criticized for spending money,” said Hartwell, who was there with her husband, Ed.
So how are things between arch rivals Sheree and NeNe?
“We’re fine,” said Whitfield. “We’re all grown women, and at the end of the day, you have to get past your differences.”
And what’s been the best part about being on the show?
“That we get to inspire others,” said Whitfield, who noted that she gets many positive e-mails from young girls. “If we can do it, so can you,” she said.
Next on ‘Real Housewives:’ Pole dancing class
Deen for Halloween
In case you ever doubted it, Savannah restaurateur Paula Deen officially arrived into the pop culture mainstream Friday when Kelly Ripa dressed up as the Food Network sensation for the annual Halloween edition of “Live With Regis & Kelly.” Sporting a silver wig and a blinged-out wedding band, Ripa adopted a Southern accent and assembled “the fixins” for butter kebabs during a cooking segment with Food Network host Guy Fieri. The cookbook author was on to make a seasonal specialty he called Bloody Mary Flank Steak.
Cooed Ripa-as-Deen when she got a gander of the finished product: “Do you know what would make that meat even more delicious? If we put this meat between two doughnuts, y’all!”
Proving that she’s a method actress at heart, Ripa then took a hunk of steak, wedged it between two glazed Krispy Kremes and chowed down on camera.
Celebrity birthdays
Saturday: Country singer Bill Anderson is 71. Country singer-mystery novelist Kinky Friedman is 64. Singer Lyle Lovett is 51. Singer Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers is 46. “American Idol” runner-up Bo Bice is 33. Actor-drummer Alex Wolff (Naked Brothers Band) is 11.
Sunday: Singer Jay Black (Jay and the Americans) is 70. Keyboardist Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake and Palmer is 64. Singer K.D. Lang is 47. Actor David Schwimmer (“Friends”) is 42. Rapper Nelly is 34. Guitarist Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie is 33.
HIGH FIVE
Music
The top-selling albums at Decatur CD this week:
1. Guitar Red, “Lightnin’ in a Bottle”
2. Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, “Cardinology”
3. Lucinda Williams, “Little Honey”
4. TV on the Radio, “Dear Science”
5. AC/DC, “Black Ice”
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I got rid of all my Colin Firth movies, in case they’re considered erotica.”
Prospective mom Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) explaining her vigorous housecleaning before a home visit from an adoption agency to Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) on the “30 Rock” season premiere Thursday.
Contributing: Tracy Brown, Christopher Quinn and news services
If you have a tip, call 404-526-2749. Or fax 404-526-5509. Or e-mail: buzz@ajc.com.
